Crib Sheet #8: Mommy Mixer’s Mary Sullivan Cooper

Please welcome Mary Sullivan Cooper of MommyMixer®– babysitting service to The Momtrepreneur Maven. She turned a real-life experience into an entire brand!  Check this out.

What motivated you to start MommyMixer®?

I was a nanny in college and random parents would approach me when I was out with the kids and ask if I would babysit for them. It struck me as odd that they couldn’t find their own babysitters. So, after a short stint in Corporate America sitting in a cubical, I decided to quit and start my own gig bringing together these two groups of people who need each other: college students looking for babysitting jobs and moms looking for babysitting service.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

I have a 4-, 3- and 1-year old.

How long have you been running your business?

I started MommyMixer® in May of 2003. MommyMixer® is the original networking babysitting service.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful (however you chose to measure success)?

MommyMixer® has doubled in growth and revenue each year.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

My husband has always been my biggest fan. He has pushed me, cheered for me, backed me, financed me and always is so proud to tell everyone about my babysitting service business.

Easiest part of your job?

Hosting mixers and speaking to clients. I love helping moms and dads make fabulous connections. It makes me feel so good to know that I am helping moms find another set of hands. It is so important to be able to find that help when you need/want it.

Hardest part of your job?

Balancing work and family well. I am trying to be better at this but it is tough and always has been a challenge for me. I started the business before I had children so I have always had to balance. It has become more of a challenge as I have grown MommyMixer®.

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

I think I had to learn all of the lessons firsthand. I am not sure anyone could have told me something and I would have gotten it; you have to grow through the motions. You have to succeed in some areas and fail in others to know what works and what doesn’t. I am a huge believer in the fact that everything happens when it should.

Any people or materials that you recommend for fellow momtrepreneurs to use or buy for their companies?

The iPhone is great for keeping up when outside of the office. Twitter has been such an instrumental marketing tool in creating awareness. And of course, other momtrepreneurs need good help. They should all have additional sets of hands to help with kids, help with the home, help with the biz.

Anything else I should have asked you that you should answer?

MommyMixer® is currently looking for a Chief Operations Officer, a VP of marketing and a slew of women angel investors!

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….a lawyer.
Fondest memory….the birth and first few days of my three children.
Indulgence….a laundry guru — one lovely lady that does my laundry (thats it – nothing else) twice a week 🙂
Last purchase…..J. Crew top.
Favorite magazine…..Cookie.
Inspiration…..anyone who gives of themselves fully to those less fortunate.
My Life…..my family, my faith, my friends.